Reviews

Great materials and craftsmanship, Kelty is very durable…

Great materials and craftsmanship, Kelty is very durable in harsh field conditions. Perfect for packing as a carry-on everything you cannot afford to lose from a suitcase. Ergonomic, fits and adjusts to your body.

Pros

Totally sealed by zippers (no bugs can get in)

Includes a rain fly

Multiple organizing pockets

Cons

Seems narrow and smaller compared to my old pack

Bottom is round, won't stay vertical

This is a replacement for my old faithful Kelty used for many years.

Alicia MacLeayTRAILSPACE STAFF

Welcome to Trailspace, Edduardo. What Kelty pack did you have originally?

Newer versions have used cheaper zipper pulls and logos are printed on instead of stitched.

I just picked up a new version of the Redwing 50. My stepson got my older version of the pack cause he needed one to. These packs are great. The newer version gives you the ability to top load or front load. I like that a lot. They have good capacity for a long weekend or used as a Bug Out Bag.

I am a big guy and Kelty is one of the few companies that make packs that will fit me. This pack rides well and transfers the weight to your hips.

I did notice Kelty has used cheaper zipper pulls on the new packs. They also have had logos printed on instead of stitched like they used to. I guess they are trying to stay at a certain price point.

All in all I would highly recommend this pack.

vote up

0

vote down

Extremely durable bag. The main compartment is large…

Extremely durable bag. The main compartment is large enough to hold all your gear for a multi-day hike. It weighs only 3.9lbs empty. Lots of pockets for extra gear. Straps are well padded and will work for broader shoulders. Hip belt is well padded and extends to larger sizes as well

Pros

Well built

Lots of room

Fits bigger people

Cons

Sternum strap is built a bit high on the shoulders and can feel like it is choking you

Overall a very nice pack. I found the price point to be in-line with the market. I have trouble finding pack packs because I am tall and broad. (6'2" tall and 74" over shoulders, Yes, I am broad as I am tall). That being said I needed a pack with a more flexible load configuration. Kelty was the ideal fit. The shoulder pads are slightly tight under my arms, but the adjustable torso makes it easier to fix the problems I normally have. The hip belt actually absorbs a lot of the weight and fits my 40" waist with room to spare.

Tons of room in the main compartment. I originally was looking for a day pack, but opted on a bigger pack for a multi-day hike planned later this year. I have more than enough room and the low overall weight makes for a good day pack too. Material seems durable enough. And the zippers are nicely made and not flimsy. I have packed and repacked this bag, with various weights and find it accommodates everything well.

So far my only complaint is the sternum strap. Even though the shoulders will take a wider torso, the sternum is in a fixed location and rides close to the neck when loaded. While it doesn't actually come in contact with my throat, it gives a feeling of choking (even if just in your mind). The only thing I would change would be perhaps an adjustable point for the sternum. I am considering getting it altered to move the strap down.

This pack is a solid performer for a one- or two-day…

This pack is a solid performer for a one- or two-day excursion. It has good capacity and a lot of useful features.

Pros

Capacity

Features

Water bladder compatible

Cons

Maybe a bit heavy

I got the M-L sized one. I am 6'2", with a long torso and it fits me well, altough I am definitely on the outer limits of the size range.

I drink a lot of water, so i like that it has a place for a water bladder and also has two external water bottle pouches. The main compartment is a good size and the smaller pockets are nicely placed and sized. Little details that this pack has are very cool—even if I do not use them. I like that there was effort made to make this a very versatile pack.

I got the pack on sale so I did not have a color choice and ended up with Apricot, i.e. orange. It would not have been my first choice, but it has grown on me and it is a practical color, I suppose, should an emergency situation arise.

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.